This building takes advantage of the abundant natural scenery of Kodomo no Kuni in Sano City, with large trees flourishing on the site to connect the greenery to the town. The greenery was preserved while converting a building over 100 years old into a bakery.
For the approach, broken roof tiles were crushed and reused as materials to create a surface reminiscent of a dry landscape garden pond. The counter was crafted by replaning boards salvaged from demolition areas, thereby repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded. This labor-intensive process reflects an environmentally conscious approach to store design.
The extension, which forms the face of the store, features a generously deep eave that conveys the warmth of wood and structural beauty. The exterior walls are clad with cedar boards that showcase the natural grain, finished in colors that blend harmoniously with the on-site trees.
In this way, the design embraces the rich greenery and the historic building, aiming to create a space that conveys both the freshness of a new store and a welcoming warmth.
Awards: Sano City Water and Green Manyo Townscape Award